OUR PHILOSOPHY

The coaching philosophy at Cherrybrook FC is grounded in the development of technically proficient and tactically intelligent players. We believe that by offering a challenging and stimulating environment, our players can unlock their full potential and succeed on the field.

Key to our philosophy is a strong emphasis on technical development. Our coaches are committed to ensuring that each player masters the fundamental skills of the game, including ball control, passing, and shooting. Through consistent repetition and attention to detail, we aim to equip our players to excel in match situations.

Tactically, our objective is to cultivate players who possess a deep understanding of the game, can think critically, and make intelligent decisions in diverse scenarios. Our aim is to foster a cohesive team that can outmaneuver opponents on the field.

We also prioritize the holistic development of our players, recognizing the importance of their growth as individuals alongside their development as athletes. Our coaches strive to create an environment that nurtures personal growth, responsibility, and respect. By focusing on the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of our players, we believe they can realize their full potential both on and off the field.

At Cherrybrook FC, we have a proven track record of producing players who not only excel technically and tactically but also demonstrate the mental resilience and character needed to compete at the highest levels of the game. Through a challenging yet supportive environment, we aim to help our players achieve their soccer goals while acquiring valuable life skills that will serve them well beyond their playing careers.

Enhancing Youth Football Development: Embracing Game Realism over Closed Skill Drills

Introduction

In the realm of youth football development, coaching methodologies are constantly evolving to optimize player performance. As we strive to nurture the talents of young footballers, there is a growing recognition that shifting away from closed skill drills and towards game replication practices can have a profoundly positive impact. Although skill repetition undeniably holds value, exposing young footballers to game-realistic practices offers a more comprehensive and dynamic learning experience, ultimately preparing them to thrive in competitive matches.

The Benefits of Skill Repetition

There are significant benefits associated with skill repetition in the development of young footballers. Closed skill drills enable players to isolate and perfect specific techniques, laying a strong foundation for their overall skill set. By focusing on individual skills such as dribbling, passing, and shooting, young players can develop technical proficiency.

Moreover, skill repetition cultivates attributes like focus, discipline, and perseverance, instilling a growth mindset in young athletes. Regular practice and improvement boost their confidence, helping them overcome challenges and expand their skill repertoire. Additionally, closed skill drills provide coaches with valuable insights into each player’s strengths and weaknesses, enabling targeted training interventions.

The Limitations of Closed Skill Drills

While skill repetition is crucial, solely relying on closed skill drills may hinder young footballers’ ability to seamlessly transfer skills to real-game situations. The inherent limitation lies in the drills’ predictable and repetitive nature, often divorced from the complexities of actual play.

Football is a dynamic sport that demands adaptability, decision-making, and the ability to handle unpredictable scenarios. Closed skill drills, by their nature, rarely expose players to the nuanced challenges they will face on the field. As a result, young footballers may struggle to apply their honed skills effectively in real-game scenarios, leading to a performance gap between practice and competitive matches.

The Power of Game Replication

To bridge the gap between skill development and game performance, game replication drills are increasingly being integrated into youth football training programs. By simulating real-game scenarios, coaches push players to confront the unpredictability, decision-making, and pressure they will encounter during matches. Game replication fosters better problem-solving skills, enhances game intelligence, and improves decision-making abilities.

Furthermore, these drills encourage teamwork, communication, and an understanding of collective play. By experiencing the complexities of the game in a controlled environment, young footballers develop a holistic approach to football, characterized by improved spatial awareness, anticipation, and effective decision making in the context of team dynamics.

Practical Implementation

To incorporate game replication into youth football training, coaches should design drills that closely mimic real-game situations. Small-sided games, situational exercises, and modified game scenarios are effective tools to challenge players to apply their skills in practical contexts.

By introducing constraints such as time limits, limited touches, or specific objectives, coaches can enhance the realism of the drills. It is essential to encourage open-ended problem-solving and allow young footballers to experiment and make informed decisions based on their own observations and understanding of the game.

Conclusion

While skill repetition remains integral to the development of young footballers, the inclusion of game replication practices is critical to unlocking their full potential. Shifting away from closed skill drills and embracing game realism empowers young footballers to bridge the gap between practice and competitive matches effectively. By preparing players to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of real-game situations, coaches lay the foundation for the next generation of skilled, intelligent, and resilient footballers, primed to succeed in the modern game.

Scott Rogers, Head Coach

England Amputee Football Association